Swiss Club for Science Journalism with new board of directors

Climate change, 5G, animal testing - topics related to science are more present than ever. That's why it's essential for media companies to employ specialized journalists who bring expertise to the table.

"Science journalism has to do more than just convey knowledge," says Angelika Jacobs from the science department of the Keystone-SDA news agency. "While research institutions and researchers themselves are very active in communicating and imparting knowledge, it is the job of journalists to research in the interest of the public and to critically illuminate topics from different angles," adds Martin Amrein, science editor at the "NZZ am Sonntag".

The two journalists form the renewed board of the SKWJ, which aims to promote independence and quality in science journalism in Switzerland. "In times when editorial offices are being downsized and communications departments are being expanded, this is particularly important," says Amrein.

The SKWJ board wants to face the structural change in the media realistically and with foresight. "Media contributions on scientific topics have long since come not only from science departments," says Jacobs. In the future, the club therefore also wants to increasingly involve media professionals from other departments who are regularly confronted with science topics.

Amrein and Jacobs replace Olivier Dessibourg, deputy editor-in-chief of Heidi.news, after seven years as SKWJ president. Most recently, Dessibourg headed the organizing committee of the World Conference on Science Journalism in Lausanne. Huma Khamis from the French-speaking Swiss radio station RTS was elected as the new vice president. Moreover, with Arian Bastani, a freelance journalist is now once again represented on the board, which consists of seven people.

Founded in 1974, the association now has around 380 members. In addition to journalists, the SKWJ also includes associate members from the communications sector.